Description
Delight in these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, a luscious combination of tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a buttery vanilla wafer crust, and creamy caramel-infused pudding mousse. Easy to prepare and perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet and comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- ¼ cup salted or unsalted butter, melted
Caramel Pudding Mousse
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Additional caramel sauce for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine peeled and chopped apples, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the liquid thickens into a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, mix vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter until fully incorporated, creating a crumbly, buttery mixture.
- Form the Crust in Cups: Scoop the vanilla wafer crumb mixture into 28 – 2-ounce plastic cups using a small cookie scoop. Press the crumbs firmly with the back of a plastic cup to form an even crust layer.
- Make the Vanilla Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until combined. Chill the mixture for 5 minutes to let it begin setting.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Pour salted caramel sauce into the chilled pudding mixture. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, blend until the caramel is smooth and fully integrated.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: Add heavy cream to the pudding mixture and continue whipping with the electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, forming a mousse consistency.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: Transfer the caramel mousse into a large piping bag and pipe it evenly over the vanilla wafer crust in each cup.
- Add Apple Topping and Garnish: Spoon the cinnamon-spiced apple filling atop the caramel mousse in each cup. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the apples for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Chill and Serve: Seal the cups with lids and chill in the refrigerator. These dessert cups can be served immediately or stored for 2 to 3 days for best freshness and taste.
Notes
- For a stronger caramel flavor, use homemade salted caramel sauce or your favorite quality brand.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts atop the apples.
- These dessert cups are ideal for make-ahead entertaining and travel well for potlucks.
- Use gluten-free vanilla wafers for a gluten-free version.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator tightly covered to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel apple dessert, apple cinnamon dessert, vanilla wafer crust, caramel pudding mousse, fall dessert cups, no-bake dessert, easy dessert recipe
